'Willie' by Robert Service


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'Why did the lady in the lift
Slap that poor parson's face?'
Said Mother, thinking as she sniffed,
Of clerical disgrace.

Said Sonny Boy: 'Alas, I know.
My conscience doth accuse me;
The lady stood upon my toe,
Yet did not say--"Excuse me!"

'She hurt--and in that crowd confined
I scarcely could endure it;
So when I pinched her fat behind
She thought--it was the Curate.'

Editor 1 Interpretation

Interpretation and Criticism of Robert Service's "Willie"

Oh, how I love Robert Service's poetry! There's something about his simple yet profound verses that resonates with me. And one of my absolute favorites is "Willie." This poem is a touching tribute to a young boy who died too soon and the grief that his family and community felt.

Plot and Structure

"Willie" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a boy who dies of pneumonia. It is divided into seven stanzas, with each one focusing on a different aspect of the boy's life and death. The poem begins with a description of Willie's family and their love for him:

Willie with a heart of gold,

Left his family to mourn,

Traveled to a land untold,

Where he wears a crown of thorn.

The second stanza describes Willie's death and the community's reaction to it:

When Willie died, so young and fair,

The people cried and wondered why.

They marveled how one small boy's care

Could be so deep, could touch so high.

The third and fourth stanzas focus on the ways in which Willie's death has affected his family:

His mother's hair is silver now

And yet her face is sweet and mild.

For in her heart she keeps the vow

To meet her darling, lost child.

His father's hair is silver too,

But he has lost his sturdy stride;

For in his heart he misses you,

And longs to be where you abide.

The fifth stanza describes the funeral procession and the final resting place of Willie:

They laid him where the daisies grow,

And on his grave they put a stone,

And there the fragrant breezes blow,

And there the sunbeams come and go.

The sixth stanza is a reflection on the meaning of Willie's life and death:

Though Willie was so young and fair,

He left a trail of glory bright,

And we can follow anywhere

To find the way, the truth, the light.

Finally, the poem ends with a message of hope and comfort:

For Willie with a heart of gold,

Left his family to mourn,

But in the arms of God to hold,

He wears a crown of thorn.

The structure of the poem, with its simple ABAB rhyme scheme and regular meter, gives it a sing-song quality that belies its emotional depth. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "Willie with a heart of gold" and "to meet her darling, lost child," reinforces the poem's themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of death.

Themes and Motifs

"Willie" is a deeply emotional poem that explores several themes related to death and grief. One of the most prominent themes is the idea of the child as a symbol of innocence and purity. Willie is described as having a "heart of gold" and his death is portrayed as a tragic loss of something precious and irreplaceable. The image of his mother and father with "silver hair" suggests that they have aged prematurely as a result of their grief, and reinforces the idea that Willie's death has robbed them of something essential.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of hope and comfort in the face of death. Although Willie's death is portrayed as a tragedy, the poem suggests that he is now in a better place, "in the arms of God," and that he wears a "crown of thorn." This image of the crown of thorns, which is a reference to the crown that Jesus wore during his crucifixion, suggests that Willie's suffering and death have a deeper meaning and that he is now in a place of honor and glory.

The motif of nature, with its references to daisies, sunbeams, and fragrant breezes, also plays an important role in the poem. These images suggest a sense of continuity and renewal, and reinforce the idea that life goes on even after death.

Interpretation and Analysis

"Willie" is a powerful poem that offers a poignant reflection on the nature of grief and the search for meaning in the face of death. The poem's simple structure and language make it accessible to readers of all ages, while its themes of love, loss, and hope will resonate with anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "Willie with a heart of gold" is repeated throughout the poem, and serves as a kind of refrain that reinforces the idea of Willie's purity and innocence. This repetition also helps to create a sense of unity and coherence in the poem, and reinforces the idea that even though Willie is gone, his memory and legacy live on.

Another important aspect of the poem is its use of imagery. The descriptions of Willie's parents with "silver hair" and the image of Willie wearing a "crown of thorn" both serve to reinforce the idea that Willie's death is a tragic loss that has had a profound impact on his family and community. The images of nature, such as the daisies and the fragrant breeze, serve to counterbalance this sense of loss by suggesting a sense of continuity and renewal.

The final stanza of the poem, with its message of hope and comfort, is particularly powerful. By suggesting that Willie is now in a better place, and that he wears a "crown of thorn," the poem offers a message of reassurance and comfort to those who are grieving. This message is reinforced by the poem's use of repetition and its simple structure and language, which create a sense of unity and coherence that is both emotional and spiritual.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Willie" is a beautiful and poignant poem that offers a powerful reflection on the nature of grief, the search for meaning in the face of death, and the enduring legacy of love. Robert Service's use of simple language and structure, repetition, and imagery all serve to reinforce the poem's themes and to create a sense of unity and coherence that is both emotional and spiritual. Whether you are young or old, whether you have experienced the death of a loved one or not, this poem will touch your heart and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the preciousness of life and the power of love.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Willie: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

Robert Service is a renowned poet who has written several classic poems that have stood the test of time. One of his most famous works is the poem "Willie," which tells the story of a young boy who is forced to grow up too quickly. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of childhood innocence and the harsh realities of life. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem "Willie" in detail.

The poem "Willie" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young boy named Willie. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with eight lines. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the main character. The second stanza describes the events that lead to Willie's transformation, and the third stanza concludes the story.

The first stanza of the poem introduces Willie as a young boy who is carefree and innocent. He is described as a "little fellow" who is "barefooted" and "happy-go-lucky." The stanza also describes Willie's surroundings, which are idyllic and peaceful. The "sunshine" and "daisies" create a sense of warmth and happiness, and the "whippoorwill" adds to the tranquility of the scene.

The second stanza of the poem is where the story takes a dark turn. Willie's mother falls ill, and he is forced to take on adult responsibilities. He is no longer able to play and enjoy his childhood. Instead, he must work hard to provide for his family. The stanza describes how Willie "toiled and moiled" and "sweated and swore" to make ends meet. The once carefree and innocent boy is now burdened with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

The third stanza of the poem concludes the story. Willie's mother recovers, and he is able to return to his childhood. The stanza describes how Willie "laughed and played" and "sang and danced" once again. The idyllic scene from the first stanza is restored, and Willie is once again carefree and innocent.

The poem "Willie" is a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of life. It shows how a young boy is forced to grow up too quickly and take on adult responsibilities. The poem also highlights the importance of family and the sacrifices that must be made to provide for them. Willie's love for his mother is evident throughout the poem, and it is his love that drives him to work hard and provide for his family.

The poem also captures the essence of childhood innocence. The idyllic scene from the first stanza is a representation of the carefree and innocent nature of childhood. The contrast between the first and second stanzas highlights the loss of innocence that occurs when a child is forced to take on adult responsibilities.

The language used in the poem is simple yet powerful. The use of alliteration in the second stanza, with phrases like "toiled and moiled" and "sweated and swore," creates a sense of the hard work and sacrifice that Willie must endure. The use of repetition in the third stanza, with phrases like "laughed and played" and "sang and danced," creates a sense of joy and happiness that is restored to Willie's life.

In conclusion, the poem "Willie" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of childhood innocence and the harsh realities of life. Robert Service's use of language and imagery creates a powerful commentary on the sacrifices that must be made to provide for family and the loss of innocence that occurs when a child is forced to grow up too quickly. "Willie" is a classic poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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